As the 2024 U.S. election season progresses, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has released a declassified report highlighting potential foreign threats to the post-election process. According to the report, foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran, are likely to employ a range of tactics to disrupt the stability of the U.S. political landscape, particularly after votes are cast.

Key threats include cyber-enabled influence operations and the spread of disinformation aimed at casting doubt on vote tabulation and certification processes. For instance, adversaries may exploit delays in reporting to spread misinformation and fuel domestic tension. Additionally, some foreign actors may support or amplify protests related to the election outcome, potentially intensifying social divides.

The report underscores the need for proactive measures, such as public communication to counter false narratives and collaboration between local officials and law enforcement to maintain order. While the risk of direct cyberattacks altering vote counts remains low, the focus on disinformation and influence campaigns highlights how adversaries seek to undermine U.S. democracy by fostering distrust and division.

As U.S. election procedures advance, a coordinated approach that counters disinformation and ensures public awareness is essential to protecting the democratic process.

You can read the whole report here.

For more information, check out the HSDL In Focus topics on Election Security and Disinformation.